A thirty-four-year-old female drug convict, Tope Ayanwale, reportedly collapsed in court after being sentenced to three calendar years with an option of a ten million naira fine in Benin City, Edo state.
Two other drug traffickers were also sentenced to fifteen-year jail terms each.
A statement by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, said it secured the convictions at the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City for unlawful possession of various quantities of illicit drugs.
Tope was arraigned before the Federal High Court, Benin, presided over by Honourable Justice B. O. Quadiri, on charge No. FHC/B/21c/2026.
The court found Ayanwale guilty of unlawful possession of 1.272 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, 2.1 grams of methamphetamine, and 176 grams of tramadol as charged on March 24, 2026.
Two other drug traffickers, Etinosa Bazuaye, 43 years, and Godfrey Osabuohien, 34 years, were also convicted by Honourable Justice Chuka Obiozor on March 24 and 25, 2026 respectively.
Etinosa, who was charged for unlawful possession of 13 grams of cocaine on charge No. FHC/B/143c/2025, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with an option of a six million naira fine, while Godfrey, who was charged in connection with 15 kilograms of cannabis on charge No. FHC/B/86c/2025, got 15 years’ imprisonment with an option of a three million naira fine.
In his ruling, Justice Quadiri sentenced Ayanwale to three calendar years imprisonment, with an option of a fine of ten million naira (N10,000,000).
Upon hearing the sentence, the convict, Tope Ayanwale, collapsed in the courtroom and required immediate medical attention before being stabilised. She has since been taken into custody to begin her sentence.
In his remark, Justice Quadiri underscored the grave societal dangers of drug trafficking. The judge noted the established link between illicit drugs and violent criminal activities, including armed robbery and banditry.
He emphasised that stiffer punishments must be awarded to those involved in the drug trade to serve as a potent deterrent to others and to protect society from the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
Reacting to the conviction, the Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander Narcotics Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, commended the judiciary for the landmark judgement.
He stated that the ruling aligns with the renewed vigour of the agency under the leadership of Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (RTD) is to dismantle drug trafficking networks and prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law.
“The conviction of Tope Ayanwale sends a clear and unequivocal message: Edo State is hostile territory for drug traffickers and barons,” Dr Ofoyeju said. “We appreciate the judiciary’s firm stance, as highlighted by His Lordship, that illicit drugs fuel insecurity and societal decay. The NDLEA will continue its relentless offensive against all elements of the drug supply chain. We urge the public to continue providing useful information to aid our operations.”
Ofoyeju assured the public of the NDLEA’s unwavering commitment to rid Edo and the nation of the scourge of illicit drugs.
